Big Green EGGfest raises $25,000 for SWFL nonprofits

NAPLES, Fla. - May 12, 2023 - PRLog -- The fourth annual Sunshine Ace Hardware Big Green EGGfest raised $25,000 to support charitable organizations in Southwest Florida.

Held April 1 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs, EGGfest attracted more than 700 barbecue lovers, who enjoyed all-you-can-eat food samplings, grilling demonstrations, live music and craft beer from Riptide Brewing Company. Proceeds from the event support Farm City BBQ and four charity partners: Northside Naples Kiwanis Foundation, United Way of Collier and the Keys, Rotary Club of Bonita Beach: Sunset and Leadership Collier Foundation.

"Barbecue is the main attraction at EGGfest, of course, but our primary goal in hosting the event is to raise money and shine a spotlight on nonprofit organizations doing fabulous work in the community," said Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware. "EGGfest has grown into one of Southwest Florida's top family-friendly events, but it's also become a battleground for professional and amateur chefs who put their grilling skills to the test."

Early in the morning on the day of competition, all chefs fired up their Big Green Eggs, a multi-functional, ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker that can be used as a grill, oven or smoker. EGGfest attendees then voted for their favorite items, from meats and vegetables to side dishes and other culinary creations.

In the Pro Division, which included trained chefs, local caterers and restaurateurs, Chef Asif Syed of 21 Spices in Naples earned the title of EGGhead Grill Master Pro; it was his third consecutive win.

In the Amateur Division, PJ Bimonte, representing Leadership Collier, was named EGGhead Grill Master Amateur.

First-place People's Choice Awards went to Bart Zino of PBS Contractors in the Pro Division and Daniel Byanski in the Amateur Division. Sebastian Price was honored as the EGGhead Youngest Grill Master.

Sunshine Ace Hardware was the Presenting Sponsor for EGGfest. Head Chef Sponsors included NCH Healthcare System, PBS Contractors, Lee Health and BKS Partners. Sous Chef Sponsors were Florida Gulf Coast University and Lantz Financial Team.

About Sunshine Ace Hardware

Family-owned and operated since 1958, Sunshine Ace Hardware is one of Florida's largest family-owned home improvement retailers. The Naples-based company operates 10 locations in Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Pinellas counties, as well as two Crowder Bros. stores in Manatee County. Sunshine Ace is the region's go-to source for power equipment, paint, hardware, fishing gear, plumbing products, electrical supplies, gifts and home improvement products, including name brands like Benjamin Moore, STIHL, Milwaukee, Scotts, Weber, Big Green Egg, Penn and Shimano. Sunshine Ace offers three convenient options to shop: in-store, curbside pickup and online with home delivery. For additional information such as operating hours, handyman services and locations, please visit SunshineAce.com (http://www.sunshineace.com/).